Sidhi (Madhya Pradesh), June 1 (IANS) An elderly couple was killed after a herd of wild elephants attacked and demolished their mud house in Chingi village of Madhya Pradesh’s Sidhi district during the intervening night of Sunday and Monday, officials said.

The herd surrounded the house and demolished it. The couple died after being trampled by the elephants. The incident created panic in the village. The deceased were identified as Bhaiya Lal Yadav (60) and his wife Tiliya Yadav (58).

According to police, the couple was asleep when the elephants entered the village around midnight. The incident triggered protests by villagers, who blamed administrative negligence and delay in rehabilitation.

Soon after the attack, villagers gathered at the spot in large numbers. They accused the administration of ignoring repeated demands for the relocation of families living near forest areas.

Villagers said several families from Chingi village were earlier shifted under a government rehabilitation scheme. However, around 40 people, including Bhaiya Lal Yadav’s family, allegedly did not receive the benefits of the scheme.

Villagers claimed they had submitted several applications to the administration and the office of the Sub-Divisional Magistrate (SDM). They alleged no concrete action was taken despite repeated requests.

According to villagers, the rehabilitation package was earlier fixed at Rs 10 lakh per person. It was later increased to Rs 15 lakh around a year ago. They said many families continued to live in vulnerable areas due to delays in the process.

Speaking to IANS, SDM Shailesh Kumar Dwivedi said he reached the village immediately after receiving information about the attack. “The concerns raised by villagers regarding displacement and rehabilitation will be investigated. Appropriate action will be taken after a detailed inquiry,” Dwivedi told IANS.

The elephant movement in the Sidhi district has increased in recent months. Herds frequently enter villages located near forest fringes. Several incidents of crop damage, house destruction, and attacks on villagers have been reported from the region.

The rising human-elephant conflict has become a major concern for residents living in forest-adjoining areas of the district.

–IANS

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